Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.
Mary describes menopause as 'the most fundamental loss ending her hopes of becoming a mother. Her decision to take HRT to improve poor memory was 'like a miracle'. Withdrawal on doctor's advice after 5 years, however, saw a return of symptoms.
Mary is a self-employed charity consultant. She is married with no children. She started the menopause at age 46 and had her last period at 53. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Following heavy bleeding, Charlotte was referred to a gynaecologist and prescribed the drug Zoladex to induce the menopause. This led to severe hot flushes. Bleeding returned after treatment ended, however, and Charlotte is now considering a hysterectomy.
Charlotte is a university professor. She is married with two adult daughters. She started the menopause at age 47. Ethnic background/nationality: Welsh/Caribbean.
Erratic periods at age 51 marked the start of the menopause for Lorna. Prescribed HRT 6 months later for severe hot flushes and night sweats accompanied by mood swings. A strong advocate of its benefits, Lorna plans to stay on HRT indefinitely.
Lorna is a research manager. She is married with an adult son and stepdaughter. She started the menopause at age 51. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
Nancy sailed through menopause in her mid-40s with no symptoms. Diagnosed as being at risk of osteoporosis, she took HRT for 10 years. A recent mastectomy has made her wonder about the possible link between long-term use of HRT and breast cancer.
Nancy is a teacher. She is married with three adult children. She started the menopause at age 45 and had her last period at 47. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
She had an early termination, 2 miscarriages and a normal pregnancy. Her 5th pregnancy was ended by induction at 21 weeks - baby had Down's syndrome detected by amniocentesis. Since then she has had another baby.
Pregnancy ended in 2002. No of children’ 2 + [1]. Ages of other children at interview 6, 1. Occupations Mother – formerly legal secretary, Father – Joiner. Marital status married....
Their 2nd pregnancy. The 20-week scan showed baby seemed small for his dates. Further specialist scans at 28 and 32 weeks showed baby's head was small. Mother also had amniocentesis and MRI scan. Baby diagnosed with microcephaly. Pregnancy ended at 34 weeks by feticide and induction.
Pregnancy ended in 2003. No of children 1 + [1]. Age of other child at interview’ 4. Occupations Mother – mother and housewife, Father – policeman. Marital status married. Ethnic...
For DTP/IPV/Hib' Followed the recommendations of health professionals. Reading newspapers and magazine articles, talking to their GP, a private doctor and to friends helped her to make her decision about MMR.
At time of interview’ married, two children, aged 2.5 yrs (daughter) and second child due. Parent’s occupation’ Mother- Administrator, Father- Company Secretary. Ethnic background’ White-British.
For DTaP/IPV/Hib' Followed recommendations of health professionals. For MMR' Gathered information from the media and talked to other mums at playgroup and to their health visitor. Advice from their GP helped them to make a decision.
At time of interview’ married, one daughter, aged 5 years. Parent’s occupation’ Mother- Nursing Auxilary, Father- Plasterer. Ethnic background’ White-British.
For DTaP/IPV/Hib' Followed recommendations of health professionals for their son. For MMR and immunisations for their daughter' Conducted an extensive review of the literature and scientific studies using the Internet and talked to their GP and health visitor.
At time of interview’ married, two children, aged 4.5 years (son) and 2 years (daughter). Both children are lactose intolerant. Parent’s occupation’ Mother- Accountant, Father- Home Dad. Ethnic background’ White-British.
For DTaP/IPV/Hib'Followed recommendations of health professionals. For MMR' Sought out information that was balanced and not biased towards only pro or anti immunisation arguments. Read books written by anthroposophical medical doctors, which influenced her decision.
At time of interview’ married, one son, aged 22 months. Parent’s occupation’ Mother- Full time mum, Father- Dental Technician. Ethnic background’ White-British.
